Volkswagen Golf R Photo Gallery (20 Photos)

The Volkswagen Golf R, the performance hatchback based on the seventh-generation Golf and GTI, won't reach dealerships until next year, but we're getting an early look at it here at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Unique gaping bumpers distinguish the Golf R from the GTI. Other exterior features of the Golf R — newly offered only as a four-door hatchback, though VW showed off the two-door model at the show — include xenon high-intensity headlights with horseshoe-ringed LED daytime running lights, standard 18-inch alloy wheels and quad exhaust pipes.

Inside features include a flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel; new color choices; R badging; sport seats and a 5.8-inch touch-screen. Under the hood of the all-wheel-drive Golf R is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 290 horsepower and 280 pounds-feet of torque (a big boost for both measures) and pairs with a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. The latter is good for a zero-to-60-mph time of less than 5 seconds. Meanwhile fuel economy improves by 4 mpg to 31 mpg with the manual. Check out the photo gallery below.